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2017 was a weird year, with ups and downs, strikes and gutters. Here’s hoping for more strikes in ‘18.
It takes me awhile to complete games. Compounding that with the Yankees deep playoff run-there’s several games I would’ve liked to have played but didn’t- Middle of Earth: Shadow of War, Evil Within 2, Resident Evil 7: biohazard, Soma (XB1), Sonic Mania, >OBSERVER_ and Iron Marines.
Here are some I did get to!
Cuphead
I saw the videos and I read the coverage, but I still went in to Cuphead with not the highest expectations. That being said, Cuphead completely blew me away. From the 1930’s retro animation, the amazing soundtrack, tight controls, incredible boss fights, while very frustrating at times, Cuphead is a complete joy. I have as much fun trading tips with friends as much as I do playing. I’m fighting that bastard dragon in Inkwell 2 and can’t wait to conquer Inkwell 3. Here’s to some DLC in 2018!
Dishonored 2
Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise and Before Sunset are two of my favorite films. They both feature well rounded characters walking by the water in beautiful European cities. I get similar vibes from Dishonored 2. There’s beautiful, coastal European-esque cities in this sequel, but you also have an arsenal of supernatural powers and weapons at your disposal to kill all in your path as you reclaim your throne. One minor quibble that’s been consistent in all 3 games- the developers frown upon those who pick up the sword and go the violent way. I’ll never understand that. Death of the Outsider is great, too!
Honorable Mentions
Wolfenstein: The New Colossus
I liked Wolfenstein: The New Order and Wolfenstein: The Old Blood. Both feature visceral first person combat with a thoughtful story and characters where you blast Nazis to bits. What’s not to like? I loved 2016’s DOOM, where gameplay, tone and story all synced up into one long overdue demonic treat. I hoped The New Colossus would reach similar heights, but sadly it doesn’t. While the story is out there with plenty of WTF moments, the day-to-day gameplay is pretty pedestrian as you make your way through blown out buildings and grey hallways. The larger world of Wolfenstein: The New Colossus is teaming with life but the player never gets to see it. Hopefully third time’s the charm?
Prey
All’s well ends well, right? The reverse is true with Arkane’s space horror sim. A pretty cool science fiction set up is spoiled with a completely unfun third act with constant back tracking, laborious enemies, lengthy load times and an unsatisfying conclusion. I hope Arkane gets another crack at this.
